Page 36 - Ministry of Sports PR Report - October 2024

10/24/24, 10:13 AM Ministry of Sports leads 'Future of Sports Retreat' to explore ways to enhance sports development, advance National Sports Strat…
community as well as decision-makers from sports organisations and Olympic and Paralympic
athletes to exchange ideas and experiences, explore opportunities and challenges facing Emirati
sports, and discuss ways to instil a culture of sports and active lifestyle across all segments of
society.

The retreat was held in the presence of Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the

National Olympic Committee; Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International
Cooperation; Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister
of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific
Research; Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; along with several

esteemed heads of sports federations and prominent sports personalities and athletes in the country.

Discussions focused on the development of strategies to continue to strengthen and expand the
sector to achieve leadership's vision to realize the full potential social and economic impact of sports
on the future of the UAE. That included discussing the development of youth and the country's
future elite athletes, how to promote professionalism among emerging athletes, as well as exploring
the potential of sports as a form of public diplomacy to enhance the UAE's global position and

advance nation branding objectives.

During his opening speech, Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, said: "This retreat
presents a valuable opportunity for the entire Emirati sports community and affiliated partners to
come together as one to plan for the future of UAE sports. Our aim is to develop recommendations

and initiatives that will pave the way for a new beginning, driving the growth of our sports sector to
maximize its potential contribution and impact on a prosperous and sustainable future of this country
and its people."

"The government's decision to establish the Ministry of Sports reflects its commitment to making a
significant leap forward in the national sports ecosystem. This important step reflects the
government's dedication towards empowering our current and future athletes and enabling the

promise of Emirati youth to achieve their full potential for leadership and excellence. The retreat is a
vital first step as we come together as one family to shape the future of this sector to contribute to the
realisation of the government's vision and direction of the country for the next decade and help
transform these ambitions into reality," he added.

Expressing his pride on the sports champions who represented the country in Paris 2024 Olympics

and Paralympic Games, he addressed them with a motivational speech, saying: "You have been
symbols of resilience and success in sports, embodying the determination and perseverance needed
for our sports sector and its future athletes to realize success at the highest levels. We believe that
you represent the hope and foundation for the future of our sports sector and serve as true role

models for new generations of Emirati athletes."

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